Shrub rose plant named &#39;KORwedesi&#39;

ABSTRACT

‘KORwedesi’ is a new and distinct variety of  Rosa hybrida  which is characterized by the combination of a bushy growth habit, medium-sized semi-double flowers which are violet-purple in color and also attractive foliage with excellent disease resistance. The new variety propagates successfully by grafting and by stem cuttings and has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/998,919 filed Jul. 11, 2014, which is herein incorporated by reference.

LATIN NAME OF GENUS AND SPECIES

The Latin name of the genus and species of the novel variety disclosed herein is Rosa hybrida.

VARIETY DENOMINATION

The inventive variety of Rosa hybrida disclosed herein has been given the variety denomination ‘KORwedesi’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct Rosa hybrida, shrub rose cultivar, which has been given the variety denomination of ‘KORwedesi’. Its market class is PLT/102.

Parentage:

The Rosa hybrida variety ‘KORwedesi’ is the result of a controlled cross-pollination breeding program carried out by the inventor in Offenseth-Sparrieshoop, Germany. The objective of the said breeding program was to create a new and distinct rose plant with unique qualities, such as:

1. Uniform growth and flowering;

2. Abundant attractive, recurrent purple-violet flowers;

3. Attractive and abundant foliage; and

4. Resistance to diseases encountered in landscapes and gardens.

This combination of qualities is not present in prior rose cultivars known to the inventor. These objectives have been substantially achieved and in that distinguish ‘KORwedesi’ from all other varieties known to the inventor.

‘KORwedesi’ is a seedling selection which resulted from the controlled pollination of two proprietary Rosa hybrida breeding lines, developed and owned by the same inventor, during the summer of 2007. Said cross-pollination was made between an unnamed seedling, the seed parent, and another unnamed seedling, the pollen parent.

As part of a rose development program, Tim-Hermann Kordes germinated seeds from the aforementioned hybridization during the winter of 2007 and conducted evaluations and observations on the resulting seedlings in a controlled environment in Offenseth-Sparrieshoop, Germany. The resulting seedlings exhibited distinctive physical and biological characteristics. The new rose plant was selected as a single plant in May of 2008 from the seedling beds due to its superior characteristics and asexually propagated for further evaluation. This new and distinctive rose variety was given the name ‘KORwedesi’.

Asexual Reproduction:

The first asexual propagation of ‘KORwedesi’ was done by budding to seedling understocks in July of 2008 at the inventor's nursery in Offenseth-Sparrieshoop, Germany. These initial and other subsequent propagations conducted in controlled environments demonstrate that ‘KORwedesi’ reproduces true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following characteristics have been repeatedly observed and represent the distinguishing characteristics of the new Rosa hybrida cultivar ‘KORwedesi’. These traits, in combination, distinguish ‘KORwedesi’ as a new and distinct cultivar.

1. Rosa hybrida ‘KORwedesi’ exhibits a bushy growth habit; and

2. Rosa hybrida ‘KORwedesi’ exhibits a semi-double flower habit; and

3. Rosa hybrida ‘KORwedesi’ exhibits a medium flower size; and

4. Rosa hybrida ‘KORwedesi’ exhibits a purple-violet flower color, at anthesis; and

5. Rosa hybrida ‘KORwedesi’ exhibits medium green, matte foliage; and

6. Rosa hybrida ‘KORwedesi’ exhibits excellent disease resistance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying color drawing shows as true as is reasonably possible to obtain in color photographs of this type, the typical characteristics of the buds, sepals, reproductive organs, flowers, leaves, prickles, and stems of ‘KORwedesi’, taken from plants of two years of age.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed botanical description of a new and distinct variety of Rosa hybrida known as ‘KORwedesi’, based upon observations of plants of two years of age growing in June of 2015 at a nursery in Jackson County, Oreg.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain characteristics will vary with older or, conversely, with younger plants. ‘KORwedesi’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. Where dimensions, sizes, colors and other characteristics are given, it is to be understood that such characteristics are approximations or averages set forth as accurately as practicable. The phenotype of the variety may differ from the descriptions set forth herein with variations in environmental, climactic and cultural conditions. Color notations are based on The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, The Royal Horticultural Society, London, 2001 edition except where common terms of color are used.

A botanical description of ‘KORwedesi’ and comparisons with other varieties of Rosa hybrida are provided below.

-   General plant description:     -   -   Growth rate.—Vigorous.         -   Growth habit.—Bushy and arching.         -   Mature dimensions.—Approximately 100 cm tall and 120 cm             wide.         -   Cold hardiness.—To date, the variety has been grown             successfully in USDA Hardiness Zone 5.         -   Propagation.—Grafting and stem cuttings.         -   Disease resistance.—Excellent resistance to powdery mildew             (Sphaerotheca pannosa) and blackspot (Diplocarpon rosae)             diseases under normal growing conditions in Jackson County,             Oreg. -   Root system: Fibrous. -   Stems:     -   -   Stem color.—Immature stems are Yellow-Green Group 144A;             mature stems are Yellow-Green Group 144B.         -   Intonations.—None observed.         -   Stem surface texture.—The surfaces of both immature and             mature stems are smooth.         -   Stem diameter.—10 mm.         -   Prickles.—Incidence — Present; 10 prickles per 10 cm of             stem, on average. Size — Average length is 12 mm. Immature             prickle color — Yellow-Green Group 145C. Mature prickle             color — Yellow-Green Group 145A. Anthocyanin — Greyed-Purple             Group 184A. Shape — Deeply concave. Texture — Smooth. -   Leaves:     -   -   Arrangement.—Imparipinnate compound leaves; mature axillary             leaves consisting of 7 leaflets.         -   Attachment.—Petiolate.         -   Dimensions.—165 to 180 mm long and 120 to 135 mm wide.         -   Abundance.—Very abundant.         -   Stipules.—Size — 35 mm long and 10 mm wide. Stipule color —             Yellow-Green Group 144A; Yellow-Green Group 145C at and near             the midrib. Anthocyanin — Greyed-Purple Group 184A; present             on stipitate glands. Stipitate glands — Abundant; only             present at margins. Margins — Glandular toothed. Texture,             adaxial surface — Leathery. Texture, adaxial surface —             Glabrous. Apex — Apiculate. Base — Winged.         -   Petiole.—Length — Average 45 to 50 mm. Diameter — Average             2 mm. Petiole color, adaxial surface — Yellow-Green Group             145A. Petiole color, abaxial surface — Yellow-Green Group             145A. Margins — Glandular toothed. Anthocyanin —             Greyed-Purple Group 184A on stipitate glands and prickles.             Prickles — Typically one small prickle present on the             abaxial surface. Stipitate glands — Limited number present             on margins. Texture, adaxial surface — Papillate. Texture,             abaxial surface — Glabrous. Strength — Moderate.         -   Rachis.—Length — Average 15 to 20 mm. Diameter — Average 1             to 2 mm. Color — Yellow-Green Group 145A. Anthocyanin —             Greyed-Purple Group 182A, present on stipitate glands and             prickles. Margins — Glandular toothed. Texture — Pappilate.             Prickles — A few small prickles underneath. Stipitate glands             — Limited numbers of stipitate glands on margins and abaxial             surface.         -   Leaflets.—Quantity — Normally 7 leaflets on normal leaves in             middle of the stem. Dimensions — Average size of the             terminal leaflet is 65 to 70 mm long and 40 to 45 mm wide.             Shape — Ovate. Apex — Acute. Base — Obtuse. Margins —             Serrated. Texture, adaxial surface — Semi-glossy and smooth.             Texture, abaxial surface — Matte and leathery. Juvenile             foliage color, adaxial surface — Yellow-Green Group 146A.             Juvenile foliage color, abaxial surface — Yellow-Green Group             146B. Mature foliage color, abaxial surface — Green Group             137A. Mature foliage color, abaxial surface — Yellow-green             Group 146B. Anthocyanin intonation — Greyed-Purple Group             184A. Present on margins and abaxial surface of juvenile             foliage. Venation — Reticulate. Petiolule — Dimensions — 3             to 4 mm long and 1 mm in diameter. Petiolule color, adaxial             surface — Yellow-Green Group 145A. Petiolule color, abaxial             surface — Yellow-Green Group 145A. Prickles — Few small             prickles are present on the abaxial surface. Texture,             adaxial surface — Smooth, with a few stipitate glands             present. Texture, adaxial surface — Smooth, with a few             stipitate glands present. Margins — Stipitate glands present             along margins. -   Inflorescence:     -   -   Inflorescence type.—Corymb with flowers held upright.         -   Blooming habit.—Recurrent and floriferous.         -   Quantity of flowers.—7 to 10, on average.         -   Size.—90 mm tall and 140 mm wide, on average.         -   Peduncle.—Surface — Limited numbers of fine hairs and             stipitate glands with an abundance of small prickles             present. Length — 35 to 85 mm average length. Diameter — 3.5             to 4.0 mm average diameter. Color — Yellow-Green Group 144A.             Anthocyanin — Intonations of Greyed-Red Group 182A on             prickles only. Texture — Hispid. Strength — Strong. -   Flowering laterals: Present below the initiation of inflorescence.     Generally 5 flowering laterals are present, with 35 to 50 flowers     each. -   Bud:     -   -   Bud form.—Long. Pointed ovoid.         -   Size.—Upon opening, 20 to 25 mm in length from base of             receptacle to distal end of bud and 13 mm diameter at its             widest point.         -   Texture.—Smooth.         -   Color, as sepals first unfold.—Red-Purple Group 58A.         -   Color when one-quarter open, inner surface.—Marginal zone —             Red-Purple Group 61 B. Middle zone — Red-Purple Group 61B             with intonations of Yellow Group 9B. Basal zone — Yellow             Group 9B.         -   Color when one-quarter open, lower surface of             petal.—Marginal zone — Red-Purple Group 61 B. Middle zone —             Yellow Group 9C with intonations of Red-Purple 61 B. Basal             zone — Yellow Group 9C. -   Flower: -   Pedicel:     -   -   Surface.—Pubescent with abundant stipitate glands present.         -   Length.—30 to 40 mm, on average.         -   Diameter.—1.5 to 2.5 mm, on average.         -   Color.—Yellow-Green Group 145A.         -   Intonations.—Greyed-Red Group 182A on stipitate glands only.         -   Strength.—Strong.         -   Texture.—Hispid. -   Sepals:     -   -   Diameter of calyx.—12 to 25 mm at anthesis.         -   Color, adaxial surface.—Greyed-Green Group 194A.         -   Color, abaxial surface.—Yellow-Green Group 146B.         -   Intonations.—Greyed-Purple 184B on stipitate glands and             occasionally on the midrib.         -   Size.—25 mm long and 6 to 7 mm wide, on average.         -   Shape.—Weak foliaceous appendages on 1 to 3 of the 5 sepals.         -   Apex.—Apiculate.         -   Base.—Flat at union with receptacle.         -   Quantity.—Five.         -   Texture, adaxial surface.—Hoary.         -   Texture, abaxial surface.—Smooth with fine white hairs.         -   Margins.—Cilliate and glandular toothed observed.         -   Stipitate glands.—Abundant along margins. -   Corolla:     -   -   Corolla habit.—Semi-double.         -   General shape of corolla.—Cup-open; shallow; round.         -   Shape of corolla when viewed from the side.—Upon opening,             upper portion — Flattened convex. Upon opening, lower             portion — Flattened convex. Open flower, upper portion —             Flat. Open flower, lower portion — Concave.         -   Aspect.—Flowers held upright.         -   Dimensions.—Medium for a shrub rose. When open, the average             flower diameter is 60 to 75 mm and the average flower height             is 15 mm.         -   Fragrance.—Light.         -   Duration.—On the plant 3 to 4 days. Senesced petals drop             away.         -   Petals.—Petal Arrangement — Not formal. Petal Count —             Approximately 7 to 8 petals under normal conditions. Petal             Reflex — Petals are slightly reflexed. Reflex occurs             simultaneously. Petal Margin — Erose to incised, typically             with 1 to 3 incisions. Petal Shape — Obcordate. Apex —             Retuse. Base — Obtuse. Dimensions — Approximately 25 to 32             mm long and 25 to 36 mm wide. Texture, inner surface —             Smooth. Texture, outer surface — Smooth. Petal color, upon             opening — Outermost petals, outer surface — Marginal zone —             Red-Purple Group 61 B. Middle zone — Yellow Group 9C with             intonations of Red-Purple Group 61 B. Basal zone — Yellow             Group 9C. Outermost petals, inner surface — Marginal zone —             Red-Purple Group 61 B. Middle zone — Red-Purple Group 61 B             with intonations of Yellow Group 9B. Basal zone — Yellow             Group 9B. Innermost petals — Upon opening, both the inner             and outer surfaces of the innermost petals exhibit the same             colorations as the inner and outer surfaces of the outermost             petals. Basal petal spots, upon opening — Basal petal spot,             outermost petals — Dimensions — 2 mm high and 2 mm wide.             Color, outer surface — Green-Yellow Group 1 B. Color, inner             surface — Yellow Group 6B. Basal petal spot, innermost             petals — Dimensions — 2 mm high and 2 mm wide. Outer surface             — Yellow Group 2A. Inner surface — Yellow Group 2B. Petal             color, after opening — Outermost petals, outer surface —             Marginal zone — Red-Purple Group 61 B. Middle zone —             Red-Purple Group 63A. Basal zone — Yellow Group 9C.             Outermost petals, inner surface — Marginal zone — Red-Purple             Group 61 B. Middle zone — Red-Purple Group 61 B. Basal zone             — Yellow Group 9B. Innermost petals, outer surface —             Marginal zone — Red-Purple Group 63B. Middle zone —             Red-Purple Group 63B. Basal zone — Yellow Group 9C.             Innermost petals, inner surface — Marginal zone — Red-Purple             Group 61 B. Middle zone — Red-Purple Group 61 B. Basal zone             — Yellow Group 9B. Basal petal spots, after opening — Basal             petal spot, outermost petals — Dimensions — 3 mm high and 3             mm wide. Color, outer surface — Yellow Group 2B. Color,             inner surface — Yellow Group 2B. Basal petal spot, innermost             petals — Dimensions — 2 mm high and 2 mm wide. Outer surface             — Green-Yellow Group 1 C. Inner surface — Yellow Group 2C.             General Tonality — On open flower Red-Purple Group 61B. No             change in the general tonality at the end of the 4th day.             Afterwards, general tonality is Red-Purple N74B.         -   Petaloids.—Quantity 4 petaloids per flower, on average.             Dimensions — Approximately 12 to 25 mm long and 3 to 15 mm             wide. Color, inner surface — Marginal zone — Red-Purple             Group 61 B. Middle zone — Red-Purple Group 61 B. Basal zone             — Yellow Group 9B. Color, outer surface — Marginal zone —             Red-Purple Group 63A. Middle zone — Red-Purple Group 63A             with intonations of Yellow Group 9C. Basal zone — Yellow             Group 9C. Texture, inner surface — Smooth. Texture, outer             surface — Smooth. Margins — Undulated; indented. Shape —             Generally cuneate; some petaloids are highly irregular. Apex             — Obtuse. Base— Cuneate. -   Reproductive organs: -   Stamens:     -   -   Quantity.—Approximately 110, on average, and regularly             arranged around the styles.         -   Anthers.—Shape — Reniform. Dimensions — 2.0 mm long and 1.5             mm wide, on average. Color — Yellow Group 10B. Pollen —             Generally present; medium density. Pollen Color —             Greyed-Orange Group N163D.         -   Filaments.—Color — Yellow-Orange Group 16B with intonations             of Greyed-Orange Group 166B. Length — 5 to 10 mm. -   Pistils:     -   -   Quantity.—Few; approximately 25 to 50 present.         -   Stigmas.—Dimensions — 1 mm long and 1 mm wide. Location —             Level with or slightly inferior to anthers. Color —             Greyed-Yellow Group 162A.         -   Styles.—Length — Approximately 5 mm long. Color — Red-Purple             Group N57C. -   Ovary:     -   -   Dimensions.—2 mm long and 1 mm in diameter.         -   Color.—Green-White 157A. -   Receptacle:     -   -   Shape.—Pear-shaped.         -   Dimensions.—Approximately 7 mm high and 6 mm wide.         -   Surface.—Slightly glaucous, with a limited number of fine             hairs present.         -   Color.—Yellow-Green Group 144A.         -   Texture.—Smooth. -   Hips and seed formation: Not observed.

COMPARISONS WITH THE PARENTS

The new rose plant may be distinguished from its seed parent, an unnamed seedling, by the following combination of characteristics:

1. ‘KORwedesi’ exhibits a violet-purple flower color, whereas the unnamed seedling exhibits a pink flower color.

2. ‘KORwedesi’ exhibits a semi-double corolla habit, whereas the unnamed seedling exhibits a single corolla habit.

The new rose plant may be distinguished from its pollen parent, an unnamed seedling, by the following combination of characteristics:

1. ‘KORwedesi’ exhibits excellent disease resistance, whereas the unnamed seedling exhibits average disease resistance.

2. ‘KORwedesi’ exhibits a bushy and arching growth habit, whereas the unnamed seedling exhibits an upright growth habit.

COMPARISONS WITH SIMILAR ROSA HYBRIDA CULTIVARS KNOWN TO THE INVENTOR

For a comparison, several physical characteristics of the rose variety ‘KORdwarul’, a rose variety from the same inventor described and illustrated in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 19,746 and filed on Aug. 15, 2007, are compared to ‘KORwedesi’ in Chart 1.

CHART 1 Characteristic ‘KORwedesi’ ‘KORdwarul’ Average plant height 100 cm high and 60 cm high and and width. 120 cm wide. 60 cm wide. Open flower diameter. 60 to 75 mm. 30 mm. Basal petal spots on the Green-Yellow Group Yellow Group 1D to outer surface of the 1B. White Group 57A. outermost petals, upon opening of flower 

That which is claimed:
 1. A new and distinct variety of rose plant named ‘KORwedesi’, as described and illustrated herein. 